Northern Adelaide snubbed in fishing review

April 13, 2016

The State Liberals have expressed their disappointment that the Weatherill Government has failed to include the northern suburbs in its consultation process regarding its highly controversial recreational fishing review.

“The public consultation process ends tonight with a meeting at Port Noarlunga but without a meeting in the northern suburbs,” said Shadow Minister for Recreation and Sport Tim Whetstone.

The State Liberals have expressed their disappointment that the Weatherill Government has failed to include the northern suburbs in its consultation process regarding its highly controversial recreational fishing review.

“The public consultation process ends tonight with a meeting at Port Noarlunga but without a meeting in the northern suburbs,” said Shadow Minister for Recreation and Sport Tim Whetstone.

“Tens of thousands of fanatical anglers live in the northern suburbs and will be adversely impacted by the Weatherill Government’s contentious plans to reduce bag and boats limits.

“The Weatherill Government should have been canvassing the views of the people of the northern suburbs.”

Tim Whetstone wrote to the Minister for Recreation following concerns raised by anglers in the northern suburbs of Adelaide about the lack of a meeting.

In response, Minister Bignell said:

“I also believe recreational fishers in metropolitan Adelaide have had an opportunity to engage in the process through the meetings in Glenelg and Port Noarlunga”

Mr Whetstone said the Minister also dismissed a request to host a meeting at North Haven.

“Fisherman and related businesses in the northern part of Adelaide have been left out and they are disappointed,” Mr Whetstone said.

“It would have taken minimal resources for the Minister to organise extra public meetings in the northern part of Adelaide and give fishers the opportunities to ask questions about the proposed recreational fishing review.

“I believe it is important to give as many people as possible the opportunity to ask those tasked with undertaking the review the opportunity to ask questions and receive direct answers.

“To host just two meetings in Adelaide is totally inadequate when there are 180,000 recreational fishers in the metropolitan area.”